SCCM Resource Library-Integrating Point-of-Care Ultrasound Into Advanced Practice Provider Programs

Pdf Summary

The article from "Critical Connections" Winter 2025 edition focuses on the increasing significance of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in healthcare, especially among advanced practice providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). POCUS offers real-time diagnostic capabilities that enhance patient care, particularly in time-sensitive environments such as emergency departments and intensive care units.<br /><br />Historically, diagnostic POCUS was primarily a physician's skill, but now many APPs seek advanced training in this area. The Society of Critical Care Medicine advocates for integrating POCUS into everyday clinical practice due to its ability to improve diagnostic accuracy, procedural safety, and patient outcomes, while minimizing the need for further imaging.<br /><br />Despite its benefits, challenges exist in incorporating POCUS into APP curricula. Neither the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties nor the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants includes it in standard curricula requirements. Barriers include lack of trained faculty and equipment, limited clinical rotation time for POCUS practice, and curriculum space constraints.<br /><br />To address these challenges, innovative educational approaches are suggested, such as intensive face-to-face sessions, flipped classrooms, and the utilization of online resources and advanced technologies like virtual reality for POCUS training. Developing student interest groups can also catalyze learning. The article concludes by acknowledging the need for expanding POCUS training in APP education to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings.<br /><br />Authors Bryan Boling, Abbye Solis, and Kelly A. Thompson-Brazill, all associated with Georgetown University School of Nursing and with extensive experience in integrating POCUS into clinical practice, contribute expert insights into this growing field. They emphasize exploring the feasibility of mandating POCUS in APP education programs to overcome implementation challenges and enhance patient care.

Asset Subtitle

Procedures, 2025, 0:06:37

Asset Caption

"This article was first published in the Winter 2025 issue of Critical Connections.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, offering versatile, noninvasive diagnostic capabilities that enhance patient care. Recent trends show increasing numbers of advanced practice providers (APP) seeking advanced training in diagnostic POCUS. The Society of Critical Care Medicine recommends integration of diagnostic POCUS into daily clinical practice, and a growing body of evidence supports the inclusion of ultrasound training in APP education.

Critical Connections, the critical care industry’s only newsmagazine, provides information on cutting-edge topics in critical care useful to the entire multiprofessional team."

Meta Tag

Content Type Article

Knowledge Area Procedures

Tag Ultrasound

Tag APP Administration

Year 2025

Keywords

Point-of-Care Ultrasound

POCUS

advanced practice providers

nurse practitioners

physician assistants

healthcare education

diagnostic capabilities

curriculum challenges

innovative training

patient care

Article

Procedures

Ultrasound

2025

APP Administration

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